The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-10-15

A.
ceased 10 throb 80 painfully each time
she was brought into contact with the
lovers.
Her brave smile and cheerful words
blinded alI eyes but her brothers.. He
read beneath that calm exterior, and
knew what daily anguish battled in
her soul before she could face the
world with a laugh upon her lips.
Later. as they all sat Ia the big
handsome drawing-room, one OF the
servants entered and spoke in low
tone 10 Basil.
He started. and something like a
frown settled on his brow; the next
instant. however, II changed TO a good.
natured smile.
"You will excuse me, Lily. won't
you. Simon is here. and wishes TO see
me. won't be long" he whispered
hnrriedly.
II wonder what he wants. Lily
asked, looking little vexed. Cant
he come another timer"
mo; will 20 to him now; he NAV
want help or advice. Don't give mp
my place to another"
"As IL | should r Lily said re-
proachfnlly. and she watched her lover
20 with tender iove-lit eyes
In the morning room Basil found
Simon waiting, his face flushed and
twitching nervonsly. his eyes full OF
quiet apology.
"Well, simon" Basil said pleasant.
~, II hear you want me. What can 1
do for your Are Won in trouble:'
The man lifted his head aud looked
straight into the handsome boyish face
of his companion.
mo sir; and hope you will excuse
nv coming 10 you: but really could
Mt helm it--couldn't keep silent any
longer. IL isn't your fault. sir, but
folks will talk. and they have been
speaking very unkindly of my Peggy
lately"
Basil looked the surprise he felt,
but he waited patiently for Simon to
continue.
IL won't tell YOU what they have
been saying. Master Basil. because
you might think believed them, and
| don't" the man went on sturdily.
"But Peggy and me have talked it
over, and think IL best not TO keep the
handsome present you gave her on our
wedding-day il Is too fine for a poor
mans wife. sir"
AS Simon spoke he laid the gold
chain with It's sparkling diamond lock-
ct, In Basii's hand, and sigh of re-
lief escaped him.
II know you won't mind. Master
Basil. and il will stop folks tongues.
Don't think we mean any offence. be-
cause Peg and me are too fond OF you
90 displcase you, sir"
Over Basil's face stole a dusky red,
and the ewes fixed on Simon grew sud
denly stormy.
"I)o / understand you TO say that
people have dared TO think evil of
your wife and myself because gave
her that slight token OF my lasting
gratitudcg Good heavensl IT anyone
breathed an III word against Peggy
would knock him down." he exclaimed
notify.
81 think can guess who first turned
folks against her. but will not tell
her name. Believe me. sir, | would
rather have died than TO bring that
trinket back Go YOU. But Peg is my
wife, and I have To guard her name
from evil"
III know, Simon, You are not TO
blame, nor Peggy either" Basil said
quietly, grasping the mans hand
warmly. III do not think any the
worse of you because someone has
been trying 10 make mischief between
us. Tell Peggy from me take back
the gift without resentment, and my
affection for her will not be iessened
because of that. Thanks. simon, for
your trust in me. will ask Miss
Audloy 10 60 and see Peggy, to show
the villagers We are not ashamed of
my good little nurse"
THANK you. Master Basil. hope
you and Miss Lily will be very happy
together She is y sweet young lady,
and rs good as she is beautiful. Good
night. sir"
"Good night simon. Remember me
10 Peggy
Indeed. sir. / shant forget. We
often speak Of YOU and your dear
young lady" simon said emphatically.
Then as he moved to the door he
paused. and looked wistfully nc Basil.
"You are not cross, mastery You
won't turn against us because of thisg'
why no--of course not. Simon.
respect you for your pride" Basil an.
swered. smiling pleasantly.
The next instant he was alone, with